CARSTAIRS -- A local charity program was recognized by STARS for donating over $80,000 over the last 26 years.
A representative from STARS, Glenda Farnden, senior municipal relations liaison, was on hand at the Carstairs Community Chest's annual general meeting on Feb. 26 to make the presentation of a plaque.
Accepting the plaque on behalf of the community was longtime canvasser Irene Rowntree.
Vicky Penner, secretary of the community chest, said that Rowntree was honoured to accept the plaque.
"Irene was really pleased," said Penner. "After the meeting she wanted more pictures."
Farnden thanked the community on behalf of STARS and also gave a PowerPoint presentation on the air ambulance service.
She said that STARS began in the early 1980s in Alberta and now covers four provinces across Western Canada.
STARS covers eight missions per day on average, with five missions in Alberta per day on average. In Mountain View County there have been a total of 309 missions since 2014, an average of 60 missions per year.
For those who may be new to the community and wondering what is the community chest, it is a one-time annual collection for many local charities and other groups such as STARS that service the area, said Penner.
The program runs throughout the month of April.
Penner said residents can expect canvassers to come knocking on their doors asking for a donation, which is tax-deductible.
"This will be the 67th annual charity drive since the founding in 1952 when town fathers wanted one collection rather than many separate canvassers knocking on doors," she said. "Canvassers will accept cash or cheques. A new way for those without cheques or cash is by auto deposit e-transfer.
"People can also pay by cheque, cash, e-transfer and at the town office."
Representatives will also be at the Carstairs Neighbourhood Party on May 10 at the arena.
In addition to the STARS presentation, the Community Chest AGM, which was held at the Carstairs Town Office, also featured reports, elections for the board and a presentation to Rowntree, who was honoured for 47 years of service.
"She called back to say she would do her route again for one more year," said Penner. "She said she wouldn't but she changed her mind. She's 85 but very active. She likes doing it."
Penner said being a canvasser is a great way to get out and meet your neighbours.
"You get a good visit and sometimes a cup of coffee," she said. "And because they know you they give a good donation."
The campaign is short of canvassers for this year, said Penner. Anyone interested in helping out and meeting their neighbours can call Penner at 403-337-2191.
Penner said that last year's campaign went very well.
"Despite the economic downturn, Carstairs and area remains very generous with nearly $70,000 donated in 2018," she said. "This money was distributed to 12 charities – 10 of which were local, and two from Calgary (STARS and Salvation Army).
"The same 12 groups will benefit from the community chest again this year with the goal being to raise $70,000 again."
The 2019 local recipients will be: Hugh Sutherland School breakfast program; Elementary School toast program as needed; Mountain View Food Bank; Mount View Special Riding Association; Horizon School; Chinook Arch Victim's Services Society; Rosebud Health Foundation; Habitat for Humanity (Mountain View Society); Mountain View Emergency Shelter; and the Central Alberta Pregnancy Care Centre, Olds office.
The two larger charities, STARS and Salvation Army, are kept because of fiscal responsibilities and emergency response, said Penner.
